Logline: A young woman struggles with maintaining her relationship with her grandfather as she prepares to go to college.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Julie Sheppard
Becky: Val Cole
Lucille: Hannah Ehman

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

It's about an elderly man's loving relationship with his adult granddaughter that is threatened by life's priorities and their conflicting views about Jewish identity.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Dramedy (by I'd say it's primarily a comedy).

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Even though I began writing this close to five years ago – before the recent and horrifying surge in antisemitism in our country -- I think an uplifting, heartwarming, heart-breaking, and (I hope) funny story – replete with universal themes of family, love, forgiveness, and death – might, in some small way, mitigate the rancor and division that we are all currently experiencing.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Intergenerational dramedy.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Superbad.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Close to five years!

7. What is your favorite song?

These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs)

8. How many stories have you written?

One!

9. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

My father-in-law was, simply put, one-of-kind – and perhaps the sweetest, gentlest person I have ever known. He and my daughter had an unusually close bond that transcended the typical grandfather-granddaughter relationship and grew stronger as she became an adult. An illness required him and his wife to move in with us, and that experience offered plenty of material for a screenplay. About five years ago our extended family gathered together on the anniversary of his death, and the wonderful and funny memories started flowing. I knew then I had the story for my script.

10. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I'd say two: (1) I have a busy solo law practice, so it was just hard to find solid blocks of time to focus on it; and (2) while I have two wonderful friends who have provided invaluable and thoughtful feedback throughout the process, I don't have any contacts in the industry who could provide guidance.

11. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family. And I'm working on my golf game!

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I really liked the positive and encouraging feel to it and the emphasis on feedback. I thought the feedback was thorough, honest, and supportive. I am very grateful for this opportunity!